Etiquette Tips for Your Pets and Cars
Cars and pets play important roles in the lives of many people.
Pets, for example, are not just animals, but beloved furry family members. And a car is often a person’s biggest investment. Unfortunately, cars and pets also have another thing in common. When their owners don’t practice good etiquette, problems can arise with their neighbors. Want to be a good neighbor? Then you should always follow these etiquette tips for your pets and cars.
Pets
• Always clean up after your pet in the common areas. Few things are ickier than stepping in dog waste and tracking it through your apartment.
• Make an effort to keep your pets from annoying your neighbors. For example, if your dog barks a lot, consider hiring a walker to take your canine out for a midday stroll. This could tire your pup out, making it less likely to bark.
• Don’t let your pets roam freely. Whether you own a cat or a dog, they should never be allowed to wander our community on their own.
Cars
• Always park within the lines. Parking spots can be tight at times, so be a good neighbor and don’t take up two spaces.
• Drive slowly within the community. You never know if a child or a pedestrian may dart out in your path.
• Don’t leave valuables in your car. Unfortunately, this could attract thieves to our community.
• Park only where allowed. For example, don’t park in handicapped spots if you aren’t eligible or in an area that is blocking an access door.
COMMUNITY LIVING TIP
3 Tips for Surviving the Homesick Blues During the Holiday
The holiday season is considered a fun and festive time of the year. But it can be a bit of a downer for those who live far from friends and family and can’t get home for the holidays. If you’ll be spending this season away from your loved ones, consider doing the following to keep yourself in good cheer:
Volunteer to Help those in Need
Keeping busy and giving back to others is one of the best ways to chase away the holiday blues. Volunteering can also give you a sense of purpose and may connect you with other volunteers who may have similar interests as you. Helping others less fortunate than yourself can also take your mind off your own troubles.
Organize an Event for Your Friends
Chances are you have coworkers and/or friends who are also living far from home and looking for a way to spend the holidays. If so, take the initiative to create an event -- maybe a happy hour gathering at a local bar or at the local axe-throwing venue -- or to host a small get-together for everyone at your apartment.
Connect Remotely
Even if you can’t be with your family and friends physically, you could always join them virtually. You might, for example, plan a time to open gifts together on a video call. While it might not be the same as being together in person, it is still a way for you to create new holiday memories with your loved ones.
SEASONAL RECIPE
Basic Crêpes!
What even is a crêpe!? Well, crêpes are very thin pancakes, and they can be served with whatever toppings and fillings you want! The common breakfast item was first recorded in France in the 13th century. Making homemade crêpes is easier than you think!
You’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions: In a sizable mixing basin, combine the flour, eggs, and milk; then, add the milk and water gradually while stirring. When finished, beat in the melted butter and salt. Over medium-high heat, preheat a griddle or frying pan with a little oil. To make one crêpe, use about 1/4 cup of batter, which you may either pour or scoop onto the griddle. To ensure that the batter covers the surface uniformly, tilt the pan in a circular motion.
Cook the crêpe for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the top is no longer wet and the bottom is lightly browned. To flip the crêpe, loosen it by running a spatula around the edge of the skillet. Cook for another minute or so, or until the opposite side is lightly browned. Serve warm.
FUN FACT:
Foxes are the only type of dog capable of retracting their claws like cats do.
QUESTION OF THE MONTH:
Q. I’m struggling to fall asleep. Are there things I can try to get a good night’s rest?
Sleep deprivation has become a serious issue for many people today. In fact, the CDC estimates that one in three adults is not getting the sleep they need. And when you are sleep-deprived, your body is more vulnerable to a number of mental and physical health issues, including hypertension, diabetes, and depression.
Fortunately, there are a few easy steps you can take that can help you fall asleep easier, including: Stop looking at your electronics right before bedtime.
Studies have shown the light from your electronics, such as cell phones, televisions, and tablets, can actually decrease your production of melatonin, which is the hormone that tells your brain when it’s time to go to sleep.
Get more exercise during the day. Research has shown that exercising on a regular basis can help you fall asleep
faster, and you’ll also enjoy better sleep quality. If possible, though, you should avoid engaging in moderate to intense exercise at least 90 minutes before your bedtime.
Practice meditation (relaxing) before bedtime. Meditating can lower your heart rate, quiet your mind, and decrease the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your body. Being in a relaxed state -- rather than being worried or stressed-out -- will make it much easier for you to fall asleep.
FUN APARTMENT
2023’s Bright & Beautiful Color of the Year Is...
Every year, the Pantone Color Institute chooses a color that they think is a “snapshot” of what is taking place in the global culture.
For 2023, that color is called Viva Magenta -- a vibrant, strong pink with a crimson red tone. So, why should Pantone’s color of the year matter to you? Because it’s likely that many of the items you’ll be purchasing in the near future will be made in this color. In fact, Pantone has already partnered with several companies to create magenta-hued products, including Motorola, Spoonflower and Cariuma.
How to Add Magenta to Your Apartment Do you like being on the cutting edge of new trends? Then consider adding a little Viva Magenta to your apartment home now. It’s a strong color, so just a splash of it would be enough to freshen up a room. You could, for example, add a magenta vase to an end table or magenta throw pillows to your couch. Or how about livening up your floor with a magenta colored area rug?
What’s Next? It takes Pantone about nine months to pick its color of the year. So, its 2024 search will be starting soon. What color do you think will win out? Will it be a purple-ish shade such as the colors picked in 2018 and 2022, or perhaps a green tone like in 2013 and 2017? Check back here in a year to see if you were able to guess the winning shade.
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